Ever wondered why you share traits with your parents but aren't *exactly* like either of them? The answer lies partly in Gregor Mendel's brilliant Law of Segregation. This fundamental principle of genetics explains how genes, responsible for our traits, are inherited.
Mendel discovered that each individual carries two copies of each gene. During the formation of sperm or egg cells (gametes), these gene pairs separate or *segregate*, so that each gamete only carries one copy of each gene. It's like shuffling a deck of cards and dealing one card per trait into each gamete.
Then, during fertilization, when a sperm and egg unite, the offspring receives one copy of each gene from each parent, restoring the pair. Which copy of each gene gets passed down is completely random, leading to the variation we see in families. So, while you inherit traits from both parents, the specific combination you receive is a unique genetic lottery, all thanks to Mendel's Law of Segregation!
